Now, I’m a lover of the Shamrock Shake, it is pretty much the reason for McDonald’s to exist, but Michael’s Facebook post (and subsequent blog) about the Shamrock Shake being back got me thinking about the rest of the year when the Shamrock Shake isn’t around, and the sadness the falls upon my mint loving soul. But as luck would have it, the digital love of life came once again to the rescue (I’m talking about Evernote, you can read all the gushy goodness here), low and behold in my Recipes notebook was this article: DIY: McDonald’s Shamrock Shake… which can be completed in 3 easy steps:

DIY: McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

Fortunately, it’s not hard to make your own Shamrock Shake at home. If you have the supplies for a vanilla milkshake, plus extra essentials for baking, you have basically all you need to make the shake yourself. However, there are lots of ways to update the Shamrock Shake — including a little boozy treat for the adults. (Because why drink green beer when you can drink an alcoholic, and green, milkshake?) Click ahead for tips and recipes on how to make the Shamrock Shake at home.

Step 1: Perfect the Vanilla Milkshake

If you can make a vanilla milkshake, you’re more than prepared to make a Shamrock Shake at home. All you need is vanilla ice cream and milk to make the base.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Extract

Peppermint extract goes a long way, remember, so don’t overdo it in your vanilla milkshake. When adding the ingredients to a blender, add the peppermint extract for a creamy mint treat. Our best proportions for a shamrock shake:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
¾ cup of milk
¾ teaspoon peppermint extract

Step 3: Add Food Coloring

As the final touch to your Shamrock Shake, add up to eight drops of green food coloring. (Remember, like peppermint extract, it’s a potent ingredient — so don’t overdo it.) Blend all ingredients on high speed until smooth, and you’re good to go. (Whipped cream and a maraschino cherry not included.)

And there you have it the DIY Shamrock Shake, once March has come and gone you and say goodbye to the Post-Shamrock Shake blues, you can make your own and stay cool all year long. Enjoy!